Punch in ‘2’ on an obscured automated phone at the entrance of The Store Room and request entry before this bar’s opening appears. Melbourne’s latest vintage-minded drinking hole, taking over a former barber shop on St Kilda Road, is dialing up a bygone era and borrowing a few tips and tricks from traditional speakeasys, including monthly poker nights.
Founders Chris Dunkley and Luke Skinner have taken Melbourne’s famous small bar scene and added their own personal touches, rounding up a whole bunch of retro lamps and collectibles to sit alongside stunning marble basins and benches, and beautiful wall decor including an Arne Jacobsen armchair strapped to the wall and a Micky Mouse telephone from the 80s. It’s sounding like the ideal atmosphere to work through a menu heavy on gins, whiskys, bespoke cocktails and an assortment of wines. Japanese whiskies seem to have a nice presence behind the bar, as do top picks like un-aged Agave and a nice velvet glove shiraz.
Head bartender Madiline Loungran has pulled together a good range with wide appeal, and while the bar doesn’t have a designated kitchen they’ve managed to supply a whole heap of options to keep drinkers well fed. Expect a nicely curated list of meats and cheeses so guests can sit sipping cocktails over a shared platter or two.
The Store Room
Address: 2-12 St Kilda Road, St Kilda
Hours: Wed 5pm-late; Thurs-Sun 4pm-late
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